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Shimla Calling

This bolt-on is a 4-day tour of Shimla that departs Wednesday year round, that can be booked in conjunction with any of our India group tours, city breaks, private and Tailor-made holidays.

Ride the narrow gauge railway aboard the Himalayan Queen Toy Train to Shimla. Nestled between lofty peaks and breathtaking scenery, the charming getaway was once the summer capital of British India. The natural beauty of Shimla will enchant you, being famous for its colourful bazaar, temples at soaring heights, stunning sunsets and verdant woods, contrasted with the quintessential English pomp and style.

Day 1: New DelhiWednesday. Welcome to India, Shimla beckons! Arriving to Delhi International Airport you will be met by our representative and included onward transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the day offers free time for you to relax or explore the city your own way. Our welcome meeting takes place at 8pm this evening.

Day 2: All aboard! Toy Train to ShimlaDelhi - Kalka – Shimla. Bright and early this morning we board the Shatabdi Express bound for Kalka. Here, travellers will transfer (independently) to the narrow gauge Himalayan Queen Toy Train travelling to Shimla.

The Guinness Book of 'Rail Facts and Feats' records the Kalka to Shimla railway as 'the greatest narrow gauge engineering feat in India’. The scenic 96 kilometre journey built on a 2 feet six inches gauge has 919 curves, passes through 20 railway station and clatters across 5 level crossings, each to the cacophonous symphony of greetings, tooting horns and the hubbub of Indian life. There are 102 tunnels to navigate and some 863 multi-arched galleries bridges (similar to ancient Roman aqueducts) to cross where spectacular landscapes of rolling hills, lush valleys and panoramic vistas can be seen.

Upon arrival into Shimla, we meet our representative on the station platform and transfer to our hotel for an evening at leisure.

Day 3: Shilma - Summer capital of the British RajShimla sprawls along a crescent-shaped ridge at an altitude of over 2100m. The famous main street, ‘The Mall’, lined with stately English homes and the fortress-like former Viceregal Lodge, reinforces Shimla’s quintessential English look. Today we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the lofty settlement, venturing into the narrow streets, which fall steeply away from the ridge giving way to colourful bazaars and fine views of the surrounding valley and snow-capped peaks.

Day 4: Explore Shilma, train journey to DelhiSaturday. Shimla - Kalka - New Delhi. Today offer free time for you to independently explore, opt to stroll, drop by the colourful Lakkar Bazaar or hike to the summit of Jakhoo Hill, Shimla’s highest point where visitor’s are rewarded with panoramic views of the eternal snows set as a backdrop to the sleepy township of Shimla beneath.

Hotel check out is at 12 noon, opt for some lunch and pack an evening picnic meal before boarding the Kalka Shatabdi Express at sunset and arriving to Delhi at 21:55pm.

Should you commencing another tour that starts with us today (such as our Passage to India, Shere Khan or Golden Triangle & Goa tours) a transfer will be provided to start hotel of your new tour. Also, if booking post tour accommodation or tailor-made arrangements with us for this evening a transfer will be provided. For all other travellers onward departure transfer to the airport.

Prices

Dates

Price/Person

Single Supp.

Shimla Calling - 4 days

All Dates

$800

$180

Additional Information

Starts/ends: New Delhi

Departs: Every Wednesday. Tour ends on a Saturday.

Your full name and DOB at time of booking to book train tickets.

What's Included

Shimla - hill station and former British summer capital in Himachal Pradesh.

Life can be unpredictable and we understand that sometimes it’s necessary to change or delay your travel plans. With our LIFETIME DEPOSIT guarantee, you can book our Signature tours safe in the knowledge that if you’re unable to travel, your deposit is fully transferable and will be held for an unlimited time.